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Neeraj Chopra, the reigning Olympic and world champion, who had watched the ODI World Cup 2023 final, spoke about his experience at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. The 25-year-old also named Jasprit Bumrah as his favourite fast bowler before commenting that he should lengthen his run-up to add more pace.
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Jasprit Bumrah, who is one of the premier fast bowlers in cricket, had an exceptional ODI World Cup 2023 for India, picking up 20 wickets at an average of 18.65 and an economy of 4.06. He played an instrumental role in the Indian cricket team reaching the final of the flagship tournament where the hosts lost to Australia by six wickets.
While speaking at the Idea Exchange from the Indian Express, Neeraj Chopra professed his admiration for Jasprit Bumrah before making a suggestion about his bowling action. He was quoted as saying, “I feel he (Jasprit Bumrah) should lengthen his run-up to add more pace. As a javelin thrower, we often discuss how bowlers can increase their pace if they start their run-up from a little further back.”
Sometimes, it’s just not our day: Neeraj Chopra
At the Idea Exchange, Neeraj Chopra revealed that the ODI World Cup final 2023 was the first time he “watched a match fully.” The javelin throw specialist spoke about how Team India had lost three quick wickets against Australia before he reached the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad to catch the action when Virat Kohli and KL Rahul were at the crease.
He spoke about how CWC 2023 final wasn’t the day for the Indian cricket team despite their concerted efforts and said, “Batting in the daytime wasn’t very easy. In the evening, I think, batting became easy. But our guys tried. Sometimes, it’s just not our day. But, frankly, everyone had a great tournament.”
“Maybe, somewhere mentally, the Australian team held an edge at the start. When they bowled, I found they had a strong mindset. In the end, they had completely flipped it over. They were confident about their game,” said Neeraj Chopra in appreciation of the Australian cricket team.
